Tag Archives: works

Christian

Love in Action

I previously defined Charity as love in action. That could easily be the same definition for Salvation. Salvation is God’s love in action. It is also our love in action.

In my preceding post, In the Mix,  I compiled a list of actions demanded of us in God’s plan of salvation. For sake of convenience and issues of readability, I did not offer scripture to back up those actions. The following should remedy that situation.

Jesus died teaching us how to follow the Father. John 8:28, John 14:9. Although he is the ultimate sacrifice for our sin (Romans 5:8-11), salvation does require effort on our part (James 1:22, Ecclesiastes 12:13). We have to accept Jesus as Messiah. Acts 8:36-37  We have to repent and be baptized by immersion in water by another in Jesus name (Acts 2:38) or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Acts 22:16, Mark 16:16. We have to strive to not sin. Hebrews 10:26-27. We have to confess future sins after baptism and forsake them. Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9. We have to confess Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33) and teach others the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). We have to remain faithful until death. Revelation 2:10 Finally, as we are blessed, do it all with love. 1 Corinthians 13.

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Christian, Inspirational

A Way of Escape

Despite the fact that many Christians hope to escape judgment day and some even claim that all that is left is a dispensation of rewards, the Bible says in Revelation 20:13 KJV … and they were judged every man according to their works.

Matt Crouch, owner of TBN has said several times, “It’s not about what I have or have not done, it’s what He did. ” I do not doubt he heard this in time of distress as he claims, I do doubt it was the voice of God. There will be a judgment day. And all mankind will be judged according to their works (how each man and woman lived their life, what they did or did not do).

There is no magic loophole to be found in the Bible to escape judgment.

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV tells us, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

If you hope to have a home in Heaven, Believe in Jesus Christ, Be Baptized, Confess your Wrongs, Don’t Sin, and if you are so blessed, live life with an abundance of Love.

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Christian, Inspirational

When Work is No Longer Work

There are many today that argue we cannot be saved by works. They profess our actions can neither save or damn us. Some of these even claim that you don’t have to follow the law. But,

Is it work for you to not murder?

Is it work to not steal?

Is it work to not lie?

Is it work to not commit adultery?

Go through the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. Are any of them really work? For some people, one or more of them might be. I tell you, unless you write God’s Commandments on your heart and do them, you will find yourself facing eternal damnation. However, if you walk in the light and truly follow Jesus; what you once found to be work can become effortless. Doing the right thing will just come naturally. Indeed his (Jesus) yoke is easy and his burden light.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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Christian

Confusing Duty with Works

Many proclaim we are not saved by works, but by grace alone. They cite these verses found in Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Does this mean we have no duty to our Master and Saviour? Absolutely not.

We have a duty to respect his sacrifice.

We have a duty to keep the law.

We have a duty to love and act in charity.

Jesus said in Luke 17:10 KJV … when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

My faith tells me duty and works should not be confused with one another. It also makes me wonder; how may I be a profitable servant of Christ.

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Christian

By Works

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

This has been interpreted to mean various things: There is nothing you can do for your salvation other than believe in Jesus the Messiah, his crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus did it all, there is nothing we have to do. There is nothing you can do to make God love you any more or any less. We are saved by grace alone or we have no righteousness of our own.

The fact is we will be judged on how we lived our lives. Romans 2:6-10, Revelation 20:12-13

We often hear the phrase salvation does not come by works alone. Too many forget to add the alone qualifier. Salvation is a result of the combination of belief in Christ and following his law. Ecclesiastes 12:13. We can also look at it from an opposing view – not salvation by works, but damnation by works.

If we continue in sin, Hebrews 10:26-27 KJV tells us, For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

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Christian

They/Them

They say Christianity isn’t about following rules. That’s religion not relationship.

They say Christianity isn’t about attending Church services. That’s religion not relationship.

They say Christianity isn’t about doing good deeds. That’s religion not relationship.

They redefine religion, so millenials and Gen Z can feel more comfortable doing what they desire.

My relationship with Christ is built on things labeled religion. My relationship with Christ is keeping his Commandments. My relationship with Christ is fellowship and worship at a local Church. My relationship with Christ is good deeds and works. My relationship with Jesus is living out my Christianity. It is my religion.

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Christian

Changes In Attitude

Or Works vs. Grace

Many have taught that salvation is by grace and not works. This is true. Salvation is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV says For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

But does this belittle works and what exactly are works? Could it cause some people to give up and not even try to please the Lord?

Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV says Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Is duty work? It doesn’t have to be. Attitude matters.

Mark Twain once said “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” Citation

Is it work to not kill? Is it work to not lie, steal, or cheat on your spouse? I think the answer to all of these questions should be no. Character and morals may take years to cultivate, but Jesus told us his yoke was easy and he did not lie. What you once found hard, may become second nature with observance and the Lord’s help.

In the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom is obligated to paint a fence. He turns the situation around by making it appear to be fun rather than work and soon has a handful of boys doing the work for him and even paying him for the opportunity. Young Tom, or at least Mark Twain, understood attitude and ways to affect it.

Just because God provided grace for salvation, oft times defined as undeserved favor, or because even our righteousnesses may appear as filthy rags before the Lord does not mean good works have no value.

On the contrary they are of much value before the Lord and they are of much value upon whom they are bestowed.

I believe God has in store heavenly rewards for our good works. Revelation 22:12. And if you accomplish many good works in your life and don’t even account it work but rather a pleasure, how much greater any later reward for earned favor.

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Christian, Inspirational

Works

As I mentioned in my previous post many preachers confuse works with keeping the law.

Is it work to not kill?

Is it work to not steal?

Is it work to not commit adultery?

Is it work to not lie?

I suppose for some people it may be, but are these people following Jesus?

Matthew 11:29-30 KJV
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20. If any of them are work to you, I encourage you to ask Jesus to help you keep them!

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Christian, Inspirational

Duty vs. Works

Many preachers today preach grace and unconditional love over works. The problem is that they often equate following God’s commandments with works. What does the Bible say:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Luke 17:10 KJV
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Remember Jesus said in John 14:15 KJV
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

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